TORONTO — After cutting ties with president Brendan Shanahan on Thursday afternoon, the Toronto Maple Leafs intend to continue relying heavily on general manager Brad Treliving entering a critical offseason.
Treliving’s status with the team remained unchanged following the executive-level shakeup, league sources told The Athletic.
Advertisement
Shanahan’s contract with the Leafs was due to expire at the end of June and will not be renewed following an 11-year run as president. That decision was confirmed during a Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment board of directors meeting on Thursday afternoon, which came a day after the organization granted the New York Islanders permission to speak with Shanahan about their hockey operations vacancy.
Effectively, the writing was on the wall after a second-round series with the Florida Panthers that ended with a 6-1 loss in Game 7 on Sunday.
With MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley due to address reporters about the changes on Friday afternoon at Scotiabank Arena, the initial indications are that Shanahan won’t be replaced immediately, according to league sources.
The feeling among ownership is that it’s important to be methodical when setting the course at the top of the organization. There’s no desire to rush into anything, even though a statement issued by Pelley on Thursday afternoon mentioned the need for a “new voice” to take the team to the next level in the years ahead.
In the immediate term, that will mean Treliving reporting directly to Pelley entering a summer where top forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares are both eligible for unrestricted free agency and the Leafs roster needs revamping in order to reach Stanley Cup quality.
That setup is consistent with what Pelley has put in place elsewhere since joining MLSE from the DP World Tour in April 2024.
Last summer, MLSE parted ways with Bill Manning, who had been serving as president of both the MLS’s Toronto FC and the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, leaving GMs Jason Hernandez and Michael (Pinball) Clemons, respectively, reporting directly to Pelley.
While Shanahan’s departure wasn’t a total surprise, it still sent shockwaves through Toronto’s hockey operations department. The staff had been operating as though it was business as usual right through this season. The vast majority of those working for the Leafs came on board during Shanahan’s tenure, including Treliving, who was hired directly by him two years ago to replace the fired Kyle Dubas.
Advertisement
Those two, in particular, were believed to be working well together — something Pelley noted last May when he met with reporters following a first-round series loss to the Boston Bruins.
“What I saw in my four weeks with the two gentlemen beside me showed me that the chemistry and unity is being built at the highest levels,” Pelley said at the time.
There will be some uncertainty now in the NHL’s largest front office, which as of Thursday included 15 executive positions listed beneath Shanahan on the organizational chart, including five assistant GMs and a special adviser to the GM, plus seven directors.
It seems likely that the Leafs will be streamlining their operations rather than looking to expand them this summer.
While a lot of good things happened in Toronto during Shanahan’s tenure, the team didn’t do enough winning when it mattered most to earn him another contract. It was his hope to stay and finish the job he started in April 2014 but it became clear as this week went on that the opportunity wouldn’t be extended to him.
Ownership was looking for clear signs of progress and set the internal bar for this season on an appearance in the Eastern Conference final, according to league sources. Toronto fell one win short of that standard, albeit in disappointing fashion — with two lopsided losses at Scotiabank Arena that saw frustrated fans throw jerseys and beers on the ice.
The way the series ended left ownership disappointed and embarrassed and opened the window for change.
It sets the stage for a big summer for Treliving, who will be adjusting to a new executive environment in the weeks before facing a series of critical roster decisions. With a narrowing championship window, there will be more urgency than ever to the Leafs operation.
(Photo: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Ex-Nuggets coach Mike Malone says Nikola Jokić was his pick for MVP despite praise for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Former Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone said his MVP vote would have gone to Nikola Jokić, not Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.“I did vote for him again this year — if I had a vote,” Malone said on ESPN before Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. “Want to make sure the people in Denver know that because, right now, I’m getting a lot of heat back home.”AdvertisementMalone’s comments Thursday night referenced some of his praise for Gilgeous-Alexander after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 1 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.Malone said, “Gilgeous-Alexander, he showed why he’s the MVP” after his 31-point, nine-assist performance in the 114-88 win.Gilgeous-Alexander was announced as the NBA’s MVP the following night.Previously, Malone had been one of the most vocal supporters of Jokić, as he won the MVP Award in three of the last five seasons. Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander […]
Detective, coach & pro fighter – the unique career of Julia Lee
Being a detective in south London is a busy enough job, let alone combining it with professional boxing. But Julia Lee is a police officer, a coach for at-risk youths, and a pro fighter.Her most unusual career has taken her from studying at Oxford University to working as a lawyer before joining the Metropolitan Police and combating child exploitation in south London. She was also a two-time Elite champion as an amateur boxer and will have her fourth professional bout on Saturday in Tolworth. Spreaker This content is provided by Spreaker, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Spreaker cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time […]
Dánové si zahrají o medaili. To mělo být nemožné, nevěřil kapitán
„Neskutečné. Nikdy jsem nebyl součástí většího blázince. Na všechny jsem strašně hrdý. Tohle je největší úspěch mé kariéry,“ nechápal po utkání útočník Nikolaj Ehlers. Ofenzivní hvězda dánského týmu měla zásadní roli v obratu proti favoritovi.Kanada měla v první třetině drtivou převahu, která však postupem času spíš uvadala. Přesto po brance Sanheima ze 46. minuty vedla. Dánové nic nezabalili a vzepjali se k heroickému výkonu. Soupeře v závěrečné třetině přestříleli 22:10 a dočkali se sladké odměny.I s přídavkem.Foto: Bo Amstrup, ČTK/APDán Nick Olesen (95) poslal rozhodujícím gólem ve čtvrtfinále Kanadu z MS domů.Ve hře bez brankáře právě Ehlers srovnával na 1:1 a zkoprnělého soka v čele s hvězdami Crosbym a MacKinnonem zcela zmrazila trefa českobudějovického útočníka Olesena 49 sekund před sirénou.„Nikdo nám nevěřil, ale v tom je krása hokeje. Každý může porazit každého a nám se to povedlo,“ rozplýval se Ehlers v rozhovoru pro stanici Viaplay. „Nevím, co na to říct. Je to trochu dobrodružství, trochu sen. Maličké Dánsko bude […]
Sophie Cunningham brings star power to Indiana Fever with pregame look inspired by Taylor Swift
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham recently caught the attention of fans not just for her on-court skills but for her striking fashion sense before a key game.Drawing inspiration from pop icon Taylor Swift's distinctive style, Cunningham's pregame outfit has become a talking point, blending music star glam with basketball culture.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder mischievously sabotage reporter during serious interviewKnown for her competitive drive and smooth scoring ability, Cunningham added a new layer to her persona by embracing a look reminiscent of Swift's chic, polished aesthetic. The combination of edgy yet elegant pieces captured the imagination of Fever supporters and fashion enthusiasts alike."I love how she [Taylor Swift] combines classic style with modern flair," Cunningham shared about her inspiration. "It's all about feeling confident and expressing yourself, whether it's on the court or off."Game Recap: Pacers 138, Knicks 135The intersection […]
Kredit Čechům: Hráli jsme s nejlepšími na světě, ocenil Rulíkův tým švédský bek
„Bylo skvělé hrát čtvrtfinále proti Česku. Vždycky je super nastoupit proti nejlepším hráčům světa a třeba David Pastrňák je jedním z nich. Atmosféra na stadionu byla fantastická, diváci nás hnali kupředu a o to větší radost máme z postupu,“ líčil pro Expressen dvoubodový obránce Rasmus Sandin.„V první třetině jsme si vypracovali několik šancí a podařilo se nám třikrát skórovat. Proti Kanadě jsme v posledním utkání skupiny měli také příležitosti, ale nedařilo se nám je tak efektivně proměňovat. Máme dobré střelce, kterým se dnes dařilo. Celkově jsme hráli týmověji než ve skupině,“ radoval se Sandin.Hrdinou večera byl Lucas Raymond. Útočník Detroitu skóroval v první třetině dvakrát v rozmezí 160 sekund a vylepšil tak svou bilanci v turnaji na 10 kanadských bodů (4+6) v osmi utkáních. Raymonda chválila legenda švédského hokeje a nynější expert Viaplay Peter Forsberg. „Má opravdu parádní střelu, což dnes naplno ukázal. Jeho góly nám dodaly jistotu.“„Byl úžasný. Střílí pěkné góly a na ledě […]
In the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room, there’s excitement about the possibility of Aaron Rodgers becoming their quarterback, but they’ve set a limit
One of the biggest storylines of the offseason is the case of "Aaron Rodgers," who has an offer to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers and immediately become the starter for a team expected to compete in the tough AFC North. However, the quarterback has yet to make a decision.The Pittsburgh Steelers currently have three quarterbacks on their roster: Mason Rudolph, the most experienced; Will Howard, a rookie selected in the sixth round of the recent Draft; and Skylar Thompson, who was signed in free agency.Aaron Rodgers on trans women in sports: 'Anti-Woman Movement' Says free agentIt was leaked a few weeks ago that Rodgers' top desire was to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, but that door now seems completely closed. His options appear to be either playing with the Steelers or not playing at all next season-making retirement a real […]
Related
Ex-Nuggets coach Mike Malone says Nikola Jokić was his pick for MVP despite praise for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Former Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone said his MVP vote would have gone to Nikola Jokić, not Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.“I did vote for him again this year — if I had a vote,” Malone said on ESPN before Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. “Want to make sure the people in Denver know that because, right now, I’m getting a lot of heat back home.”AdvertisementMalone’s comments Thursday night referenced some of his praise for Gilgeous-Alexander after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 1 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.Malone said, “Gilgeous-Alexander, he showed why he’s the MVP” after his 31-point, nine-assist performance in the 114-88 win.Gilgeous-Alexander was announced as the NBA’s MVP the following night.Previously, Malone had been one of the most vocal supporters of Jokić, as he won the MVP Award in three of the last five seasons. Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander […]
Detective, coach & pro fighter – the unique career of Julia Lee
Being a detective in south London is a busy enough job, let alone combining it with professional boxing. But Julia Lee is a police officer, a coach for at-risk youths, and a pro fighter.Her most unusual career has taken her from studying at Oxford University to working as a lawyer before joining the Metropolitan Police and combating child exploitation in south London. She was also a two-time Elite champion as an amateur boxer and will have her fourth professional bout on Saturday in Tolworth. Spreaker This content is provided by Spreaker, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Spreaker cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time […]
Dánové si zahrají o medaili. To mělo být nemožné, nevěřil kapitán
„Neskutečné. Nikdy jsem nebyl součástí většího blázince. Na všechny jsem strašně hrdý. Tohle je největší úspěch mé kariéry,“ nechápal po utkání útočník Nikolaj Ehlers. Ofenzivní hvězda dánského týmu měla zásadní roli v obratu proti favoritovi.Kanada měla v první třetině drtivou převahu, která však postupem času spíš uvadala. Přesto po brance Sanheima ze 46. minuty vedla. Dánové nic nezabalili a vzepjali se k heroickému výkonu. Soupeře v závěrečné třetině přestříleli 22:10 a dočkali se sladké odměny.I s přídavkem.Foto: Bo Amstrup, ČTK/APDán Nick Olesen (95) poslal rozhodujícím gólem ve čtvrtfinále Kanadu z MS domů.Ve hře bez brankáře právě Ehlers srovnával na 1:1 a zkoprnělého soka v čele s hvězdami Crosbym a MacKinnonem zcela zmrazila trefa českobudějovického útočníka Olesena 49 sekund před sirénou.„Nikdo nám nevěřil, ale v tom je krása hokeje. Každý může porazit každého a nám se to povedlo,“ rozplýval se Ehlers v rozhovoru pro stanici Viaplay. „Nevím, co na to říct. Je to trochu dobrodružství, trochu sen. Maličké Dánsko bude […]
Sophie Cunningham brings star power to Indiana Fever with pregame look inspired by Taylor Swift
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham recently caught the attention of fans not just for her on-court skills but for her striking fashion sense before a key game.Drawing inspiration from pop icon Taylor Swift's distinctive style, Cunningham's pregame outfit has become a talking point, blending music star glam with basketball culture.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder mischievously sabotage reporter during serious interviewKnown for her competitive drive and smooth scoring ability, Cunningham added a new layer to her persona by embracing a look reminiscent of Swift's chic, polished aesthetic. The combination of edgy yet elegant pieces captured the imagination of Fever supporters and fashion enthusiasts alike."I love how she [Taylor Swift] combines classic style with modern flair," Cunningham shared about her inspiration. "It's all about feeling confident and expressing yourself, whether it's on the court or off."Game Recap: Pacers 138, Knicks 135The intersection […]
Kredit Čechům: Hráli jsme s nejlepšími na světě, ocenil Rulíkův tým švédský bek
„Bylo skvělé hrát čtvrtfinále proti Česku. Vždycky je super nastoupit proti nejlepším hráčům světa a třeba David Pastrňák je jedním z nich. Atmosféra na stadionu byla fantastická, diváci nás hnali kupředu a o to větší radost máme z postupu,“ líčil pro Expressen dvoubodový obránce Rasmus Sandin.„V první třetině jsme si vypracovali několik šancí a podařilo se nám třikrát skórovat. Proti Kanadě jsme v posledním utkání skupiny měli také příležitosti, ale nedařilo se nám je tak efektivně proměňovat. Máme dobré střelce, kterým se dnes dařilo. Celkově jsme hráli týmověji než ve skupině,“ radoval se Sandin.Hrdinou večera byl Lucas Raymond. Útočník Detroitu skóroval v první třetině dvakrát v rozmezí 160 sekund a vylepšil tak svou bilanci v turnaji na 10 kanadských bodů (4+6) v osmi utkáních. Raymonda chválila legenda švédského hokeje a nynější expert Viaplay Peter Forsberg. „Má opravdu parádní střelu, což dnes naplno ukázal. Jeho góly nám dodaly jistotu.“„Byl úžasný. Střílí pěkné góly a na ledě […]
In the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room, there’s excitement about the possibility of Aaron Rodgers becoming their quarterback, but they’ve set a limit
One of the biggest storylines of the offseason is the case of "Aaron Rodgers," who has an offer to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers and immediately become the starter for a team expected to compete in the tough AFC North. However, the quarterback has yet to make a decision.The Pittsburgh Steelers currently have three quarterbacks on their roster: Mason Rudolph, the most experienced; Will Howard, a rookie selected in the sixth round of the recent Draft; and Skylar Thompson, who was signed in free agency.Aaron Rodgers on trans women in sports: 'Anti-Woman Movement' Says free agentIt was leaked a few weeks ago that Rodgers' top desire was to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, but that door now seems completely closed. His options appear to be either playing with the Steelers or not playing at all next season-making retirement a real […]
Be the first to leave a comment